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Isthmus : Madison, Wisconsin : Arts, Culture, Theater, Entertainment News, Previews, Reviews
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Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:02:00 -0000
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: The Decemberists, AtwoodFest and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 24-27 also includes University Theatre production of Clare Barron's 'Dance Nation;' more summer fun at Disability Pride Festival and the Unity Picnic.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-24-to-27-2024/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-24-to-27-2024/
Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:02:00 -0000
VO5 from backstage at AtwoodFest, 2024.
Robert Keith Wessel
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: The Suitcase Junket, 'Fantastic Worlds' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 21-24 also includes tour stops by American Aquarium and poets Daryl Gussin and James Norman; a University Theatre production of Clare Barron's Pulitzer-nominated play 'Dance Nation.'
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-21-to-24-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-21-to-24-2025/
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:07:00 -0000
A close-up of The Suitcase Junket.
courtesy Matt Lorenz
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: Opera in the Park, Dane County Fair and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 17-20 also includes a reception for the current cohort of LAB^4 exhibitions at Arts + Literature Laboratory; Tango with Winnie Sextet brings together an international ensemble for a concert and dance at Cafe Coda.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-17-to-20-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-17-to-20-2025/
Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:01:00 -0000
Katerina Burton, left, and Joshua Sanders performing at Opera in the Park 2024.
Andres Sanchez
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: Brave New Voices Festival, Los Chechos and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 14-17 also includes opening day for the Dane County Fair; Madison artist Natalie Jo Wright brings 'Four Eyed Cats in Mid Century Spaces' to Flying Low Skateshop.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-14-to-17-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-14-to-17-2025/
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:06:00 -0000
Los Chechos playing The Sessions at Garver.
Bob Koch
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: Fête de Marquette, 'Reconstituting' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 10-13 also includes the Broadway tour of 'Wicked;' the annual collision of Art Fair On the Square and Art Fair Off the Square.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-10-to-13-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-10-to-13-2025/
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:02:00 -0000
The four members of Southern Avenue.
Rory Doyle
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Lauren Hafeman
Gavin Dillon Lawrence’s new play premieres at American Players Theatre
‘The Death of Chuck Brown,’ written and directed by Lawrence, explores themes of family relationships, community safe spaces, Black history, and gentrification’s impacts in historically Black neighborhoods.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/gavin-dillon-lawrence-death-of-chuck-brown/
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/gavin-dillon-lawrence-death-of-chuck-brown/
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:30:00 -0000
Nathan Barlow, left, and David Alan Anderson in 'The Death of Chuck Brown.'
Hannah Jo Anderson
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Linda Falkenstein
Eat the still life
Is it a cookbook? An art book? A lifestyle manifesto? ‘The Watercolor Feast’ is a delightful combo of all three.
https://isthmus.com/arts/books/eat-the-still-life-erin-gleeson/
https://isthmus.com/arts/books/eat-the-still-life-erin-gleeson/
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:00:00 -0000
'Watercolor Feast' by Erin Gleeson.
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Jessica Becker
The 2025 Wisconsin Triennial at MMoCA lays out the welcome mat
The Wisconsin Triennial, at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art through Sept. 14, is more than a showcase of 24 working artists from around the state. This exhibition challenges visitors to connect with modern art in new ways.
https://isthmus.com/arts/wisconsin-triennial-2025-mmoca-review/
https://isthmus.com/arts/wisconsin-triennial-2025-mmoca-review/
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0000
John Hitchcock’s 'Ceremonial (Pow Wow Ribbon Chair).'
Mariah Moneda
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Janet Clear
American Players Theatre comes full circle with ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
The heart of this production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is the play-within-the-play.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-midsummer-nights-dream-2025-review/
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-midsummer-nights-dream-2025-review/
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000
Elizabeth Ledo, left, and Jim DeVita in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Michael Brosilow
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Steven Potter
Greg Marshall tells the stories of a life, now with freestyling
‘Greg Marshall Pops Out of the Trees’ tells the story of what was set in motion on one nearly-catastrophic night.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/greg-marshall-stories-of-a-life/
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/greg-marshall-stories-of-a-life/
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0000
Greg Marshall on stage.
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: Collard Fest, 'Wicked' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 7-10 also includes Fête de Marquette, which gets rolling on Thursday; soprano Angela Brown joins the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for Concerts on the Square.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-7-to-10-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-7-to-10-2025/
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:07:00 -0000
Zoe Jensen, left, and Jessie Davidson in "Wicked."
Joan Marcus
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Steven Potter
Brave New Voices to be held in Madison
Organizers say the festival gives young people an outlet to help them process some of their angst and emotion.
https://isthmus.com/arts/arts-beat/brave-new-voices-to-be-held-in-madison/
https://isthmus.com/arts/arts-beat/brave-new-voices-to-be-held-in-madison/
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 20:30:00 -0000
shasparay-border-07-04-2025.png
Matt Weinberger
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: Caring for Erik, Catfish River Music Festival and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for July 3-6 also includes the Mallards transformation into the 'Neverminds' for one night only; Fourth of July weekend festivals including the Monona Community Festival, National Women's Music Festival, Stoughton Fair and WaunaBoom.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-3-to-6-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-july-3-to-6-2025/
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:03:00 -0000
The Mascot Theory in midair.
Brad Weier
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Janet Clear
American Players Theatre’s ‘Picnic’ paints a mid-century picture of quiet desperation
William Inge’s 'Picnic,' in repertory at American Players Theatre through Sept. 13, is a portrait of mid-century life in a small Midwestern town.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-picnic-review/
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-picnic-review/
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000
A man and a woman are sitting on the ground looking in front of a house, at night.
Dan Norman
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: Fishbone, Monona Community Festival and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 30-July 3 also includes the debut of solo exhibitions by Camille Davis, Maria Schirmer, Mark Soderling and Dylan Waddell at Carnelian Art Gallery; Full Out Formula brings 'I Think It Could Work' to Madison Circus Space.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-30-to-july-3-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-30-to-july-3-2025/
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:08:00 -0000
The band Fishbone in front of a brick wall.
Raymond Amico
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Isthmus Staff
Where are the fireworks in Madison and Dane County?
There are plenty of chances to catch some holiday booms in and near Dane County.
https://isthmus.com/arts/where-are-fireworks-madison-dane-county-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/where-are-fireworks-madison-dane-county-2025/
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:35:00 -0000
A fireworks display.
Jingda Chen on Unsplash
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: Rainer Maria, Mad Lit and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 26-29 also includes album release shows by Graham Hunt and Carrellee; author Christopher A. Micklos hosts a screening of 'Them!' as part of the release party for his new pulp horror novel 'Tick Town.'
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-26-to-29-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-26-to-29-2025/
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:02:00 -0000
The three members of Rainer Maria.
Shawn Brackbill
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Rebecca Jamieson
American Players Theatre understands the emotional undercurrents of Yasmina Reza’s play
In ‘Art,’ art becomes not just the subject of debate but a metaphor for how the characters view the world and one another.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-art-review/
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-art-review/
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:30:00 -0000
Triney Sandoval, left, and La Shawn Banks, in "ART."
Michael Brosilow
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Mel Hammond
American Players Theatre revels in 'Fallen Angels'
Laughs are consistent in the Noel Coward farce ‘Fallen Angels.’ It’s at the Hill Theatre at American Players through Oct. 3.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-fallen-angels-review/
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/american-players-theatre-fallen-angels-review/
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0000
Phoebe González, left, and Sam Luis Massaro in "Fallen Angels."
Michael Brosilow
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Isthmus Staff
Hot Like Mars, Ratboys to headline 2025 Orton Park Festival
The festival runs from Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31, with night one serving as family night featuring the annually anticipated apparance of Cycropia dance troupe. This will be the 60th annual episode of the party.
https://isthmus.com/arts/music/hot-like-mars-ratboys-to-headline-2025-orton-park-festival/
https://isthmus.com/arts/music/hot-like-mars-ratboys-to-headline-2025-orton-park-festival/
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:45:00 -0000
a photo of the band Ratboys shows members sitting on the floor
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: Concerts on the Square, 'A Photographic Memory' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 23-26 also includes the Waco Brothers at Olbrich After Hours; 'The Death of Chuck Brown' premieres at American Players Theatre.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-23-to-26-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-23-to-26-2025/
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:07:00 -0000
A still image from "A Photographic Memory."
Zeitgeist Films
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Linda Falkenstein
Juneteenth isn’t going anywhere
On June 21, Madison will continue its 36 years of community gatherings honoring Juneteenth. Educator and documentarian Charles Taylor covers the history and celebration of this now federal holiday in a new book.
https://isthmus.com/arts/books/juneteenth-isnt-going-anywhere/
https://isthmus.com/arts/books/juneteenth-isnt-going-anywhere/
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:30:00 -0000
The book cover of Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom next to author Charles Taylor.
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: Make Music Madison, 'Sconnie Street' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 19-22 also includes the annual Juneteenth celebration at Penn Park; Sessions at Garver finds a new home at Garver Feed Mill.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-19-to-22-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-19-to-22-2025/
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:01:00 -0000
Cast members rehearse for "Sconnie Street."
Frank Cain
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: Denise S. Robbins, Don't Mess With Cupid and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 16-19 also includes a social to meet the new MPL naturalist-in-residence, author Andrea Debbink; a tour stop by 'MJ the Musical' at Overture.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-16-to-19-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-16-to-19-2025/
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:05:00 -0000
Don't Mess With Cupid on stage.
Kyle Hilker/Shatter Imagery
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this weekend: Marquette Waterfront Festival, MAMA Awards and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 12-15 also includes 'A Tribute to Clyde Stubblefield' opening the new Atwood Music Hall; record release shows by rocker Geoff Palmer and mockers Cribshitter.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-12-to-15-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-12-to-15-2025/
Thu, 12 Jun 2025 10:04:00 -0000
A past Fools' Flotilla on the Yahara River.
courtesy River Alliance of Wisconsin
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Jason Joyce
King James
Terrell James is an organizer, promoter, hype man, creator and influencer. But to call him a grassroots leader might be most apt.
https://isthmus.com/arts/sports/king-james-real-hoopers/
https://isthmus.com/arts/sports/king-james-real-hoopers/
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0000
Basketball players at James Madison Park.
Jason Joyce
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Tommy Washbush
Office of rock
Don’t be misled by the location of Wilder Deitz’s School for Creative Music. He has turned a former therapy office near the Dane County airport into a collection of cozy practice spaces.
https://isthmus.com/arts/music/office-of-rock-wilder-deitz-school-of-music/
https://isthmus.com/arts/music/office-of-rock-wilder-deitz-school-of-music/
Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0000
Students practicing in an ensemble class.
Tommy Washbush
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Isthmus Staff
What to do in Madison this week: Madison Night Mares, 'Read(y) to Wear' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for June 9-12 also includes a tour stop by I'm With Her at Overture; learn to identify dragonflies and damselflies with Wisconsin Dragonfly Society and UW Arboretum.
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-9-to-12-2025/
https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-june-9-to-12-2025/
Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:06:00 -0000
A model wearing a design from the 2024 Read(y) to Wear event.
Kyle Wege/Crimson Sun Studios
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Linda Falkenstein
Seven Madison summer freebies
You can make the most of every day of a Madison summer (and you need to, because winters are long) — because you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to have fun. Here are seven of our favorite freebies. (From among many!)
https://isthmus.com/arts/seven-madison-summer-freebies/
https://isthmus.com/arts/seven-madison-summer-freebies/
Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0000
Concerts on the Rooftop at Monona Terrace.
Courtesy Monona Terrace
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Sandy Tabachnick
From Mozart to Motown
A new Madison-penned opera. One of the best-selling rock albums of all time. And Beethoven’s Fifth. Who could ask for more?
https://isthmus.com/arts/music/from-mozart-to-motown/
https://isthmus.com/arts/music/from-mozart-to-motown/
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000
Concerts on the Square.
Zak Stowe